Locking wheel bolts are a small but essential part of your car’s security system. Designed to prevent wheel theft, they replace one standard bolt per wheel with a secure, key-operated version.
While they’re easy to fit, improper installation can cause vibration, damaged threads, or even make your locking bolts difficult to remove later. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fit locking wheel bolts properly, step by step — the right way.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have:
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Your locking wheel bolt set (including the key)
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A torque wrench
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A breaker bar or wheel wrench
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A wire brush and cleaning cloth
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Optional: Anti-seize compound (for corrosion prevention)
Step 1: Park and Prepare Safely
Before you start, make sure your car is parked on a flat, stable surface.
Engage the handbrake and, if possible, place the vehicle in gear or park mode.
If you’re fitting locking bolts while changing a wheel or tyre, use axle stands or a jack rated for your vehicle’s weight. Never rely solely on a jack for support.
Step 2: Remove One Standard Bolt Per Wheel
Each wheel will usually take one locking wheel bolt to replace a standard one.
Using your wrench, loosen (but don’t remove) the existing bolts slightly while the car is still on the ground — this prevents the wheel from spinning.
Once loosened, jack up the car if needed and remove only one bolt per wheel — the one you’re replacing with the locking bolt.
Step 3: Clean the Bolt Seat and Threads
Cleanliness is key for a secure fit.
Use a wire brush or cloth to remove any dirt, rust, or corrosion from the bolt hole and seat.
This ensures smooth threading and accurate torque when tightening the new bolt.
Pro Tip: If you live in an area with harsh winters or salt-treated roads, apply a small dab of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads — but use sparingly.
Step 4: Fit the Locking Wheel Bolt
Insert your locking bolt into the cleaned hole and thread it in by hand first.
This ensures it’s aligned properly and prevents cross-threading — a common cause of wheel damage.
Once hand-tight, attach the locking key and tighten gently with your wrench.
Do not fully torque the bolt yet — that comes after all bolts are evenly snug.
Step 5: Tighten in a Star Pattern
If you’re fitting all four locking bolts (one per wheel), tighten all bolts on each wheel in a crisscross/star pattern.
This helps seat the wheel evenly and avoids uneven clamping pressure.
Using your torque wrench, tighten each bolt to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended torque setting (usually between 110–140 Nm, but check your manual).
Tip: Always use a calibrated torque wrench, not an impact gun — over-torquing can damage the locking bolt pattern or key.
Step 6: Double-Check Torque and Key Fit
After all bolts are torqued, check that:
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The key engages smoothly with the locking bolt
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The bolt is seated flush against the wheel
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There’s no gap or misalignment around the seat area
If everything looks good, repeat for the remaining wheels.
Step 7: Retorque After 50–100 Miles
Once you’ve driven 50–100 miles, retorque your bolts.
This ensures they’ve fully seated and compensates for any minor settling that may have occurred during driving.
Bonus: Store Your Locking Key Safely
The locking key is essential for wheel removal — lose it, and removing your wheels becomes a major headache.
Keep your key in a secure but accessible place, like:
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Your glovebox
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The spare wheel compartment
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A labelled bag in your boot
Consider noting the key code somewhere safe in case you ever need a replacement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-tightening the locking bolts
- Mixing up different seat types (cone vs. radius)
- Using power tools that can strip the key pattern
- Forgetting to recheck torque after driving
Conclusion
Fitting locking wheel bolts properly is quick, easy, and provides invaluable peace of mind.
By following these steps — and using the right tools and torque — you’ll keep your wheels secure, your car safe, and your bolts easy to remove when needed.
Need locking wheel bolts for your vehicle? Click here to view our range of locking products.